Chapter Five – Beneath the Dinner Table

The dining room felt too small.

Cassia sat down stiffly beside Dorian. Her sundress was pulled tightly across her thighs and she did her best to avoid looking at Kael.

Dorian poured himself wine first, then poured hers, but Kael poured his. 

“So,” he said, swirling the glass, “how is France these days? Still hiding out? I hear they call you the phantom director.” He turned to Cassia. “Kael here is an important film director in France.”

“I do my best, but it seems you’ve done quite well for yourself. Your family is beautiful.” Kael said, and she got the sense that he didn't want to talk about his job.

Dorian kept talking, ignoring his compliment. “Right, the great recluse. Though somehow you manage to convince actors to follow you into the middle of nowhere and film their little art projects. I suppose someone has to keep the French entertained.”

“Dorian,” Cassia whispered, frowning. “We’re eating.” She glanced briefly at their daughter who was focused on her pasta.

“What?” Dorian cut her a look. “I’m joking.”

Kael took a sip of his wine, then he rested one elbow on the table and looked pointedly at Cassia. Cassia could feel his blue eyes undressing her.

She decided to say something. “I heard your last film broke records in Paris,” she said quickly, even though she had no idea if it had. She just wanted to say something so she would not look guilty.

Kael tilted his head, settling fully on her now. “Do you keep track?”

Cassia bit her lower lip, looking for a suitable response. “I… I read it somewhere.” It was a lie.

Dorian barked a laugh. “Since when do you read anything other than your smut? Besides, Kael makes a fortune off mystery. He doesn’t even do interviews and he makes the critics foam at the mouth.”

Kael didn’t reply immediately, instead he reached for the breadbasket and slid it toward Cassia, his fingers brushing hers for a second too long. “I never knew you kept tabs, brother.”

Dorian shrugged. “I don’t. I had a little investigation done on you. You’re crazy if you think I’d let you take half of Dad’s estate without knowing if you’re clean.”

Cassia had the feeling that the two brothers didn’t see eye to eye. 

Kael laughed. “I knew you still hated my guts. There was really no need to pretend earlier.”

Elara, God bless her heart, was oblivious to what was happening. She climbed onto Kael’s lap. “Uncle Kael, are there sweets in France?”

Kael adjusted her gently, balancing her with one arm. “Très belle, everywhere you look.”

Cassia’s chest squeezed. The scar on his cheek seemed softer when he smiled at her daughter. Dorian rolled his eyes. “Don’t encourage her, or she’ll end up looking like her mother. You know she got fat.”

Cassia pushed her plate away. “I’ll get dessert,” she said quickly, her cheeks burning from embarrassment. She knew it. That he’d been acting this way towards her because she was plus–sized. 

Alone in the kitchen, she pressed her palms to the counter as tears stung her eyes. Just breathe…breathe… She hated that she’d found out how Dorian felt this way, in front of a stranger…one she’d fucked.

Caissa closed her eyes and sniffed, pushing the tears back. The door to the kitchen creaked slightly, and she whipped around, expecting to see Elara or her husband, but instead Kael was leaning against the door.

“The food was amazing and I say this as someone who has hired sous chefs in the past.” He said to her. She noticed that his sleeves were now rolled up to his elbow and he’d lost his suit and tie. “So why are you hiding in here?”

She sniffed and shook her head. “I’m not hiding."

He closed the distance between them in three quick steps. “I know you are.” He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his. “He’s wrong, you know.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“I’ve never met a sexier woman, mon ange. You’re perfect.” He whispered, his voice was over her, so that it felt like she was being dipped under a waterfall.

“Dorain might hear you, Kael.” Cassia said, taking a step back. 

Kael took a step forward, closing the distance she put between them. “Then stop looking at me like you did in that cathedral and on the balcony.”

“That was in Miami and I…”

He cut her off. “And what happens in Miami stays in Miami right?” Kael stepped forward again, closing the space until her back hit the counter.

She stiffened. “Go back in there. Please.”

He lifted his hand but he didn't touch her face. Instead he trailed it down her arm, to her wrist, then with his thumb he played with her wedding ring. “Why didn't you wear this in Miami? Also, do you know you tremble every time I get this close to you?”

She jerked back, nearly knocking the bowl of fruit off the counter. “Don’t…” but the ‘don't’was a weak one. 

“You have not answered my question, Cassia…” he continued. His hand left her arm completely and wandered down to her thigh. He pulled the dress aside and she shivered when his hand made contact with her lace panties.

Cassia closed her eyes and held back a moan. She was scared of being caught, but it thrilled her even more. “Kael, what if Dorian comes in?”

Kael smiled, massaging her clit through her panties. “I like the way you say my name, Cassia…” he ignored her question.

Oh God! She liked the way he called her name with the thick accent, so that it sounded like ‘casyah’.

“Kael, anyone could walk in.” She managed to say, but he didn't tell him to stop. She didn't even want him to. Oh God? What type of woman was she becoming?

“You're wet. That tells me you don't want me to stop.” He was teasing her and challenging her.

It was wicked, but it turned her on even more. “I…I don't want you here.” She stammered, feeling things she shouldn't.

“Then where do you want me?” He asked, before sliding her panties to the side and sliding a finger in.

“Mmmm.” She moaned, forcing herself to remain standing.

“I've missed this…” he said again, and for a moment she forgot where she was and she was back in Miami, on that balcony.

“Cassia?” 

Cassia's head snapped up so quickly it was a miracle it didn't fall off. Kael slipped his finger out of her and she bit her lower lip.

Dorian was standing in the doorway, his phone in one hand, Cassia’s hands shook as she turned to Dorian.

“What,” Dorian asked slowly, “exactly what is going on here?”